2 Chronicles 35:27

KJV

And his deeds, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his deeds {H1697}, first {H7223} and last {H314}, behold, they are written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also his accomplishments from beginning to end, are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el and Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

his acts from beginning to end—they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

American Standard Version

and his acts, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:27 serves as a concise yet profound epilogue to the reign of King Josiah, affirming the comprehensive and meticulous documentation of his entire life and actions within the official royal chronicles of Israel and Judah. This verse not only validates the historical veracity of the Chronicler's account but also underscores the ancient Near Eastern practice of maintaining detailed state records, ensuring that the significant deeds of rulers, from their earliest initiatives to their final acts, were preserved for posterity and as a testament to their legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the detailed narrative of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings, whose reign is extensively documented in [2 Chronicles 34-35](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34-35 - The Reign of King Josiah"). Chapters 34 and 35 meticulously recount his early and fervent religious reforms, his efforts to purge idolatry from the land, and his monumental restoration of the temple, which led to the serendipitous discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Chronicles 34:14-21](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14-21 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). His reign culminated in a grand Passover celebration, described as unprecedented since the days of Samuel ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Josiah's Great Passover")). Despite his piety and faithfulness, Josiah met a tragic and unexpected end in battle at Megiddo against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt, a somber event detailed in [2 Chronicles 35:20-24](/2_chronicles/35-20 "2 Chronicles 35:20-24 - Josiah's Death at Megiddo"). Verse 27, therefore, acts as a formal concluding statement, emphasizing that the entirety of his life, both his glorious achievements and his tragic demise, was officially recorded, lending authority and completeness to the Chronicler's account and directing the reader to further historical sources.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for royal courts to maintain detailed annals or chronicles. These records, often kept by court scribes, documented the significant events, decrees, military campaigns, building projects, and religious reforms of the reigning monarch. Such records served multiple purposes: they legitimized the king's rule, provided a historical account for future generations, and often glorified the monarch's achievements. The "book of the kings of Israel and Judah" mentioned here refers to these official, non-canonical state archives rather than the biblical books of Kings we possess today. The Chronicler, writing centuries later, frequently refers to such sources (e.g., [1 Chronicles 29:29](/1_chronicles/29-29 "1 Chronicles 29:29 - Sources for David's Reign"), [2 Chronicles 9:29](/2_chronicles/9-29 "2 Chronicles 9:29 - Sources for Solomon's Reign")) to authenticate his narrative, demonstrating that his account was based on established historical documentation available to his audience. This practice highlights the importance of historical record-keeping and verifiable sources in ancient Israelite culture, emphasizing the factual basis for the Chronicler's theological interpretation of history.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it reinforces the **Historical Veracity** of the Chronicler's narrative, assuring the reader that the detailed account of Josiah's reign is grounded in reliable, official documentation. This emphasis on external sources lends credibility to the biblical record. Secondly, the phrase "first and last" underscores the **Completeness of Life's Record**, signifying that every aspect of Josiah's deeds, from his initial reforms as a young king ([2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Early Reforms")) to his final moments, was deemed significant enough to be meticulously recorded. This speaks to the idea that a life, particularly one lived in service to God, is observed and accounted for in its entirety. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Legacy and Remembrance**. Josiah's life, marked by profound piety and a fervent commitment to God's law, serves as a powerful example of a leader who sought God wholeheartedly. The recording of his deeds ensures that his faithful service and significant actions leave an enduring legacy that is remembered, both in human history and, implicitly, by God, providing a model for future generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deeds (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר, this term (H1697) is broad in its semantic range, encompassing "word," "matter," or "thing." In this context, "deeds" refers to the comprehensive scope of Josiah's actions, events, and accomplishments throughout his reign. It signifies not merely isolated acts but the entire narrative of his kingship, including his religious reforms, military engagements, and administrative initiatives. The use of this all-encompassing term emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the historical record.
* **First (Hebrew, _riʼshôwn'_):** From the root רִאשָׁה, this term (H7223) denotes "first" in place, time, or rank. When paired with "last," it forms a merism, signifying the inception or earliest stages of Josiah's reign and actions. It points to the meticulous recording of his initial endeavors and early commitments, such as his purification of Judah and Jerusalem from idolatry.
* **Last (Hebrew, _ʼachărôwn'_):** From the root אָחַר, this term (H314) means "hinder," "late," or "last." As part of the merism, it refers to the conclusion or final stages of Josiah's reign, including his tragic death at Megiddo. Together with "first," it underscores that the historical account covers the entirety of his life and rule, leaving no period unaddressed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his deeds, first and last,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the comprehensive scope of the historical record. "His deeds" refers to all the actions, events, and accomplishments of King Josiah. The phrase "first and last" acts as a **merism**, a literary device using two contrasting parts to represent a whole, emphasizing that every single aspect of his reign, from its earliest beginnings to its final moments, is included. It conveys a sense of thorough and complete documentation.
* **"behold, they [are] written"**: The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) serves to draw the reader's attention to the certainty and existence of the record. The passive verb "are written" underscores that these deeds have been formally and permanently inscribed, indicating a reliable and accessible historical account. This affirms the Chronicler's claim to historical accuracy and reliance on established sources, validating the narrative he has presented.
* **"in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."**: This final phrase specifies the location of these comprehensive records. It points to the official, non-canonical royal archives or chronicles maintained by the scribes of the kingdoms. This was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where monarchs' reigns were meticulously documented. The Chronicler's reference serves to authenticate his narrative, indicating that his account of Josiah's life is based on verifiable historical sources, which were presumably available to his original audience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Historical Reference** and **Merism**. The explicit mention of "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah" serves as a direct **Historical Reference**, grounding the Chronicler's narrative in verifiable, external documentation. This device lends credibility and authority to the biblical account, assuring the reader that the story of Josiah is not merely legend but is corroborated by official state records. The phrase "first and last" is a clear example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, "first" and "last" encompass the entirety of Josiah's deeds, from the beginning to the end of his reign, emphasizing the exhaustive nature of the historical record. This also functions as a **Colophon** or epilogue, a traditional way to conclude ancient texts by referencing their source or confirming their completion, thereby adding a layer of authenticity and finality to the Chronicler's account of Josiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple historical footnote, carries profound theological implications. It speaks to the divine value placed on human actions and the principle of accountability. Just as Josiah's entire life was meticulously recorded in human annals, so too does God observe and remember every deed, both public and private. This concept points to God's omniscience and His righteous judgment, where nothing is hidden from His sight. It underscores that lives lived in faithfulness, or indeed unfaithfulness, leave an indelible mark, not only in human history but also in the divine ledger. The Chronicler's emphasis on historical records implicitly reminds us that our lives are not lived in a vacuum but contribute to a larger narrative, ultimately accountable to the sovereign God who oversees all of history. This divine record-keeping ensures that justice will ultimately prevail and that righteous deeds will not be forgotten.

* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books of Judgment")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God's Judgment of Every Deed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous recording of King Josiah's "deeds, first and last," serves as a powerful reminder that every aspect of our lives holds significance, both in the eyes of humanity and, more importantly, in the eyes of God. We are called to live with intentionality, understanding that our choices, our character, and our impact contribute to a lasting legacy. This verse encourages us to consider the "record" we are writing with our lives daily. Are our "deeds" characterized by faithfulness, integrity, and a pursuit of God's will, like Josiah's early reign? Or are they marred by compromise and self-interest? For believers, this truth is both sobering and empowering. It calls us to stewardship of our time, talents, and testimony, knowing that our actions are not inconsequential but are woven into the fabric of God's grand narrative. It invites us to live in a way that honors God, leaving a legacy that points others to Him, confident that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and that our lives, in their entirety, are known to the One who truly matters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of a complete historical record of Josiah's life encourage or challenge your own walk with God?**
* **In what ways are your "deeds, first and last," reflecting a life lived for God's glory?**
* **What kind of legacy are you intentionally building, knowing that your actions have lasting significance?**
* **How does the concept of divine record-keeping influence your daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Is "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah" the same as the biblical books of 1 & 2 Kings?**

Answer: No, "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah" mentioned in [2 Chronicles 35:27](/2_chronicles/35-27 "2 Chronicles 35:27 - The Book of the Kings") (and numerous other places in Chronicles) refers to the official, non-canonical royal annals or court chronicles maintained by the scribes of the ancient Israelite and Judean kingdoms. These were primary historical source materials from which the biblical authors, including the Chronicler, drew information. The canonical books of 1 & 2 Kings, while drawing upon these and other sources, are theological narratives that interpret history through the lens of God's covenant with Israel, focusing on obedience and disobedience to the Law. They are distinct from the raw, official state records. The Chronicler's frequent reference to these external "books" served to authenticate his narrative and provide a verifiable basis for his historical claims to his original audience.

**What is the significance of the phrase "first and last" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "first and last" (Hebrew: *ri'shonim v'acharonim*) is a common Hebrew idiom, known as a merism. It signifies totality or completeness, meaning "from beginning to end" or "all of them." In [2 Chronicles 35:27](/2_chronicles/35-27 "2 Chronicles 35:27 - Josiah's Complete Record"), its significance lies in emphasizing that the entire span of King Josiah's reign and all his actions, from his earliest reforms as a young king (e.g., [2 Chronicles 34:3-7](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3-7 - Josiah's Early Reforms")) to his final, tragic battle (e.g., [2 Chronicles 35:20-24](/2_chronicles/35-20 "2 Chronicles 35:20-24 - Josiah's Death at Megiddo")), were meticulously recorded in the official historical annals. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the historical documentation and underscores that no part of his life or reign was omitted from the record, providing a complete account for posterity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 35:27 speaks of the meticulous human record of King Josiah's deeds, it implicitly points forward to the ultimate and perfect record of the life of Jesus Christ. Josiah, a righteous king who sought to restore the law and lead his people in a great Passover, foreshadows Christ, the true and greater King who perfectly fulfilled the Law and inaugurated the ultimate Passover through His atoning sacrifice. Unlike Josiah, whose reign ended tragically despite his piety, Jesus' life was one of unblemished righteousness, "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Every "deed, first and last," of Christ's earthly ministry, from His miraculous birth and humble beginnings ([Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus")) to His triumphant resurrection and ascension ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")), is perfectly recorded not only in the Gospels but eternally in the divine counsels. His life provides the ultimate example of perfect obedience and faithfulness, a record that stands as the basis for the salvation of all who believe ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). Furthermore, the divine record-keeping implied in this verse finds its ultimate expression in Christ's role as the righteous judge, before whom all "books" will be opened ([Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books of Judgment")), and whose own perfect "deeds" are the foundation for the justification of His people, securing their eternal legacy in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 16:19

Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 Chronicles 25:26

Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, [are] they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?

2 Chronicles 24:27

Now [concerning] his sons, and the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they [are] written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 10:34

Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

2 Chronicles 32:32

Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they [are] written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, [and] in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

2 Chronicles 20:34

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who [is] mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

2 Chronicles 26:22

Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.